Paxil and Atenolol interaction

Hello - thanks for your time.
For sometime I have been diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse and paraoxysmal superventricular tachycardia. I also have a history of panic disorder. I am currently taking 100 mg of Atenolol and .25 of Digoxin per day for cardiac purposes and .5 Xanax as needed.
Recently I attempted to begin a regimen of 10mg of Paxil and on the third day of taking the drug, experienced a drop in blood pressure and pulse (BP 100/50, P 50)
From what I could gather from my psychiatrist and internet sources SSRIs can interact with beta blockers and increase their dosage.
Are you familiar with this? How dangerous is this side effect and does this mean I would be unable to take any SSRI?
Thanks
Heather

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

Your sources are correct, and it is potentially dangerous, and your bp and pulse are the evidence.  I would try to  avoid it if possible, or do it only under supervision of a very experienced psychopharmacologist who has gone this route before.

[Med Help]

Dear Poy17,

We suggest you re-post your question in our free, online Heart Forum.  The Cleveland Clinic Heart Center is consistently ranked the #1 Heart Center in America. Cardiologists from CCF's Heart Center will gladly answer your questions about drug interactions and your heart.

Med Help International